SPORTS REPORTER

Litton Das is all but ruled out of Bangladesh’s upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting October 18 in Mirpur, Dhaka as the wicketkeeper-batter continues to recover from a left-side strain.

The 31-year-old has been sidelined for nearly a month after sustaining the injury during a practice session ahead of Bangladesh’s Asia Cup T20 Super Four clash against India in Dubai last month. He missed two crucial Asia Cup matches against India and Pakistan, followed by the T20I and ODI series against Afghanistan.

Litton underwent an MRI scan yesterday, and selectors are awaiting the report before making a final decision. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu said Litton’s participation “looks highly unlikely” as he has yet to start full-fledged batting. “After the scan report, the medical team will decide when he can begin. It was expected by now, given the nature of the injury, but it seems delayed.”

The squad for the West Indies series is expected to be announced today, though Litton’s absence is almost certain. His participation in the T20I series -- set to begin on October 27 in Chattogram -- is also doubtful.

Litton’s ODI form has been poor, failing to reach double figures in his last eight innings and last scoring a fifty against India in the 2023 World Cup, which earlier saw him dropped from the ICC Champions Trophy squad. However, he has shown revival in T20Is, winning Player of the Series awards against Sri Lanka and the Netherlands after being handed the captaincy role in the format in May this year.

Selectors had hoped to recall him for the West Indies series to inject experience, but will now plan without him. The West Indies are set to arrive in Dhaka today.

Amid criticism over the national team’s decline in the 50-over format, Ashraf acknowledged the limited options: “We don’t have enough available players. I have to work with what’s in my basket.

“There is only one domestic league for the ODI format. Foreign players don’t play there anymore. How many national team players get a chance to play? If we can’t increase the ‘A’ team’s matches simultaneously, what can you expect from the team in the 2027 World Cup?”